Domestic violence professionals are weighing in on the impacts of the coronavirus on the community.

A stay at home order has been in place in Illinois since mid-March and Jennifer Tolladay with DeWitt County DOVE says she's very concerned for clients she knows are in a tough spot and those that are discovering an unfortunate situation. 

For those who can find relief and get away from an abusive situation, Tolladay says DOVE is still accessible. She says their hotline is monitored 24 hours a day even though no one is in their office currently and they will get help to anyone that needs it.

For Tolladay, the toughest part of this situation is not being able to be in their office for someone to walk in and receive help and support. She says the reality of the situation is, victims - including children - are stuck with their abusers right now and there is not much they can do.

With the possibility the stay at home order gets extended, Tolladay is concerned we may not know the full extent of the things that happens to victims until the restrictions have been lifted. She says right now, they are not seeing any more activity than usual. 

DOVE is still offering its food pantry Thursdays between 10 am and 2 pm. 

You can get contact the DOVE hotline, which again is available 24 hours a day during this stay at home, at 217-935-6072.